I wanted you to know thatI love the way you laughI wanna hold you high and steal your pain away… I keep your photograph andI know it serves me wellI wanna hold you high and steal your pain

She wanted him to dominate her. Not just for her but for him too. She wouldn’t top from the bottom, not with him. It was a talent she’d all but perfected with her uncle. He was a small man, with a smaller cock. One that, despite it’s size, he tried to wield like a weapon. It never worked out for him that way and the punishments were always severe and usually tested all their limits. One thing she’d learned with that man was her limits were far-reaching. She was capable of “zoning out” when it got too bad. She knew with Alexei that wouldn’t happen. She’d felt something with him the first time she saw him…a stirring where there should not have been anything. Her uncle was good at denying release for days and even weeks at a time. The last time she’d angered him, because she’d looked him in the eyes when he’d told her to look at him, she should have known better, but that was the worst. On top of denial, he’d gone at her relentlessly, then blamed her when he couldn’t get off himself. She was too loose, and too big and there wasn’t enough friction and blah, blah, blah, she’d tuned out knowing what was coming…and what came was being placed on display. Strapped to a table…

“Phoenix!” he hadn’t raised his voice, but the firmness knocked her out of that reverie. She was surprised to find herself standing in her apartment, the door closed and locked behind them. She blinked and then blinked again. “Wow.. I’m sorry, Alexei. I was remembering…” She shook her head a third time. “It doesn’t matter what I was remembering.” She smiled. He looked at her for a long moment, “We will talk about it later. Take off your clothes.” Oh shit. She nodded and did as she was told. He watched her very closely, his eyes drinking her in like a fine cognac on a cold night. His eyes moved over her and her skin seared. Her body responded to just that look. She watched him watching her and knew her world was going to change. As amber eyes met blue-green in a look so fiery it would have burned most men watching, she reached out to touch him, “No..” he stated firmly, “not yet.” She let her hand fall to her side, a small moan escaping her. The corner of his mouth quirked. Oh he knows what his doing to me. Alexei spoke softly, “You are beautiful, and you are mine.” Phoenix nodded. “Say it, Phoenix.” “I’m yours.” He shook his head, “All of it.” She looked at him and spoke softly, “I”m beautiful, and yours.” He shook his head again, “Louder.” Phoenix dropped her eyes and raised her voice, saying it louder. “Now look at me and say it like you believe it, and don’t make me ask you again.” Oh. That tone. I know that tone well. She looked up at him and said it, with conviction. “Good girl.” His voice dropped to merely a purr, “I am going to well and truly stake my claim.”

The worst is over now And we can breathe againI wanna hold you high, you steal my pain awayThere’s so much left to learnAnd no one left to fightI wanna hold you high and steal your pain

Phoenix shivered as he walked purposely toward her, the promise of his intent clear in his darkened eyes. He stripped his clothes as he moved dropping them as he stalked toward her. He stood in front of her naked and ready. She watched him approach, not flinching, not even daring to breathe. They stood eyeing each other, she dropped her eyes first, and he was on her, pushing her against the wall, claiming her mouth in a soul rending kiss, hands tangling in her hair tilting her face to his. Her arms wove around his neck her hands finding his teal shag and twining through the soft strands. His hands traveled over her body to her ass, lifting her. Her legs moved around his waist seeking balance and he entered her, claiming her, marking her as his. The sounds of their joining echoed off the stone walls, he whispered the words she needed to hear surrounded quickly by more tender thoughts and words, they found their release.Cause I’m broken when I’m open

And I don’t feel like I am strong enoughCause I’m broken when I’m lonesome And I don’t feel right when you’re gone away

He carried her to the bed, where he deposited her gently, and lay beside her, his fingers gently trailing over her body, hers mirroring his. When he took her this time it was gently and with all the reverence he possessed. Slowly, very slowly he rocked her world.

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The Universe: {The walls and ceiling are a deep, dark bur-gundy, giving a womb-like effect to the spacious room, and the floor is old, old varnished wood. There is a large wooden cross like an X fastened to the wall facing the door. It’s made of high-polished mahogany, and there are restraining cuffs on each corner. Above it is an expansive iron grid suspended from the ceiling, eight-foot square at least, and from it hang all manner of ropes, chains, and glinting shackles. By the door, two long, polished, ornately carved poles, like spindles from a banister but longer, hang like curtain rods across the wall. From them swing a startling assortment of paddles, whips, riding crops, and funny-looking feathery implements.

In the far corner is an oxblood leather padded bench, and fixed to the wall beside it is a wooden, polished rack that looks like a pool or billiard cue holder, but on closer inspection, it holds canes of varying lengths and widths. There’s a stout six-foot-long table in the opposite corner – polished wood with intricately carved legs – and two matching stools underneath. }

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The Cosmos:
{Phoenix looks at Alexei, smiles} Was it as bad as I think it was?The Universe:
{Alexei looks at her as they start for the door} It really was as boring and I will not lie. What happened with Glen was damaging.The Cosmos:
{Phoenix shakes her head, softly} I don’t know what happened there.The Cosmos:
{Nix looks at him} How do I fix it?The Universe:
{Alexei shakes his head} You will have to show them you are not a threat. {looks at her} And you must listen to Damien and Edward. Because if it *was* an accident, in a way that makes you even more dangerous than if it wasn’t.The Cosmos:
{Nix nods} I will. {looks down} Do you believe me?The Universe:
{Alexei gives her a long look, nods} I do.The Cosmos:
{Nix smiles} Thank you…That means a lot. {looks at him} Some things I have control over. Like I can move into people’s minds, most of the time they don’t know I’m there.The Universe:
{Alexei smiles} Like Edward, with their dreams.The Cosmos:
{Nix nods} I think so. I can do it while they’re awake though.. and it’s like I can see what they’re seeing.The Universe:
{Alexei looks at her} Have you done it to any of us?The Cosmos:
{Nix looks at him for a moment} Not so much like that. When I first woke up there was someone in the crypts and I was trying to get their attention so I just brushed against them.. and fell in. I was pushed out pretty fast before I saw anything though.The Universe:
{Alexei nods} Rarely does anyone go down there since the humans were released. Though, Roland did say Aaron had moved back down there so perhaps it was him. Though, I would think if you’d entered the mind of.. someone such as him.. it would be a more notable experience.The Cosmos:
{Nix shakes her head} This was someone quiet and peaceful.The Cosmos:
{Nix looks at him} I felt like I was being gently escorted away.The Universe:
{Alexei looks at her} Could you determine gender?The Cosmos:
{Nix nods} I’m pretty sure it was a man.The Universe:
{Alexei nods} Then it sounds as though it may have been Edward. He is the most gentle as far as the vampires go.The Universe:
{Alexei looks at her} He is also one of the few that would be able to deny you access.The Cosmos:
{Nix tightens her hold on his arm} It would make sense. I didn’t force my way in or anything..The Universe:
{Alexei furrows his brow, quietly} What’s wrong, Bella?The Cosmos:
{Nix shakes her head} I’ve just broken so many of our…rules since waking.The Universe:
{Alexei nods} And we will rectify your missteps. It is to be expected, after all.The Universe:
{Alexei looks at her} When you questioned Damien about the notebooks, in his response and what followed, did you see what I told you about the kind of man he is?

The Cosmos:
{Nix looks at him} It was forbidden to wander into vampire’s minds Grandfather was the only one allowed into everyone’s mind and no one was allowed to shield him. {nods} I did.The Cosmos:
{Nix looks at Alexei} My sub came screaming to the front with him.The Universe:
{Alexei smiles} As it tends to do with most women. Even those who consider themselves dominant. But I meant how, once he had established his authority and you responded, he gave you answers which you were seeking. Because he is that kind of man. He wishes no one ill, and when he is offended, it is very easy to make things right with him. And he is forgiving. He does not just speak the words. He means them as well. I cannot even say such a thing about Edward.The Universe:
{Alexei smiles again} I can, however, say such a thing about Genja.The Cosmos:
{Nix watches him} The fair and just sire…I have to agree with you on that point.The Universe:
{Alexei nods} But Genja has much less tolerance than Damien. So while he is fair and just, he is not.. a nice man.The Cosmos:
{Nix nods} But he won’t set you in the sun for an honest mistake.The Universe:
{Alexei nods} He will not. And if it cannot be proven to be intentional… if there is a reasonable alternative, he will usually take it. But usually such alternatives require *someone* to take responsibility.The Cosmos:
{Nix smiles} Like you did?The Universe:
{Alexei smiles} Like I had planned to had he given me the chance. But it is the same outcome, so it does not matter if I volunteered or if he commanded.The Cosmos:
{Nix looks over at him} And Damien and Edward want to keep an eye on me.The Universe:
{Alexei nods} Of course. Because you attacked Glen. {looks at her} And Glen will not forget and forgive easily.The Universe:
{Alexei shakes his head} But Edward has the.. additional.. issue where he witnessed Ciara bent over you ready to open a vein against her will and unable to fight it.The Universe:
{Alexei looks at her} Had you not attacked Glen, the others might not have come to be suspicious. But since you did.. some that would not, have.The Cosmos:
{Nix nods} And I’m willing to work for it. {closes her eyes} She was only supposed to cut her palm.The Cosmos:
{Nix quietly} I didn’t attack.The Universe:
{Alexei shakes his head} It does not matter, Bella. And you did attack whether it was intentional or not, it was still an attack. You must take responsibility for it. Whether it was an accident, does not matter. And personal responsibility is Damien’s highest ideal.The Cosmos:
{Nix looks at him} How do I do that?The Universe:
{Alexei looks at her} And you cannot classify it as a defense when it was only words. You start by saying what you did was wrong, even if it was not intentional. But you must understand why it was wrong. Do not try to justify it. Because the right people, when you say “I’m sorry I hurt Glen. I did not intend to. I behaved impulsively and without full knowledge of my abilities.” The right people will then begin justifying it *for* you. It will be they who say “Do not worry about it. Your situation.. blah, blah, blah.”The Cosmos:
{Nix nods} All right I can do that… {Smiles} I’m really glad you’re on my side.The Universe:
{Alexei smiles, quietly} I believe we understand each other, Bella, in a way that others cannot.The Cosmos:
{Nix nods, still smiling} I think you are right. {softly} And I think this is just the beginning of something long and…meaningful.The Universe:
{Alexe nods, smiling again, quietly} I believe it has much potential, yes.The Universe:
{Alexei looks at her, quietly} You will be alright, Bella. I will make sure of it.The Cosmos:
{Nix smiles at him} I trust you.The Universe:
{Alexei smiles} And you must have *someone* you can trust, yes? I cannot imagine what you would be going through right now if you did not.The Cosmos:
{Nix quietly} If I didn’t I’d probably want to be staked and put back.The Universe:
{Alexei looks ahead as they walk, quietly} You will find they take the ghouls for granted. Even me. I am not complaining, however. I prefer it that way. {looks at her} Do not say such things. From what you have said and what I have experienced I other courts and domains, the way it is here is nowhere near as bad as it is in those places. And you will see that soon for yourself. Very soon, they will be so busy cannibalizing each other, they will all but forget about you.The Cosmos:
{Nix looks ahead, softly} And you will have me all to yourself?The Universe:
{Alexei smiles, shakes his head} That is not how I meant it, but.. I would not complain if such was the case. {looks at her} I do not expect it to be, though.The Cosmos:
{Nix looks at him} Why is that?The Universe:
{Alexei shrugs} Because I have many responsibilities and the vampires have very few.The Cosmos:
{Nix smiles} And you take those responsibilities very seriously?The Universe:
{Alexei nods} I do. But I am sure that for a while, most of my time will be spent with you and I will be delegating quite a bit of them to the others. I will not give them the morning routine with the vampires, however. I would let Emily do that as she sometimes does it with me and the vampires are used to her and seem to enjoy her company. {looks at her} I imagine, however, that after some time, you will not need me as much. You learn quickly and you already know much.The Cosmos:
{Nix looks at him} And what if I *want* you.The Universe:
{Alexei smiles, quietly} Then you shall have me.The Cosmos:
{Nix looks up at him, softly} And what about you Alexei. What do *you* want?The Universe:
{Alexei looks at her, quietly} Is it not obvious, Bella? I want you. I would prefer that you wanted me and not so much that you needed me. you will always need me or one like me on some level. But “want” is a choice, where “need” is not.The Cosmos:
{Nix smiles} You already have me.The Universe:
{Alexei smiles, nods} I am not often affected by women as I was you. Even Eden could see that this was an unusual situation.The Cosmos:
{Nix looks at him, quietly her eyes on his} I’ve had needs and wants before most of them not met adequately. But I’ve never had such a visceral response before.The Universe:
{Alexei looks at her, quietly} Perhaps I can meet your needs and do so adequately. We will have to talk about them. But not here. Edward can hear much and he can hear from great distances. When he is sleeping, he can hear what is being said the dining room unless one whispers. He can stand at one end of the throne room with a throng of people between him and the other end where a pin, were it dropped, would be audible to him.The Cosmos:
{Nix blinks} Wow… so where is a safe place to talk?The Universe:
{Alexei smiles} We will talk in the garden. We will be outside. He will be in his tower with Damien and the girls. He will not be listening so much as he will be focused on them.The Cosmos:
{Nix smiles} The walls really do have ears.The Universe:
{Alexei nods} They do. Quite literally. But in the garden, there are no walls. {smiles again} Only sometimes gardeners. But only when the sun is up.The Cosmos:
{Nix smiles} A safe place. I always felt safe in the garden.The Universe:
{Alexei smiles, nods} I have always enjoyed the gardens very much myself.The Cosmos:
{Nix looks at him, quietly} Why is that for you?The Universe:
{Alexei shrugs} Partly because I am a romantic. Partly because they are quiet and peaceful.

The Cosmos:
{Nix smiles} All that and romance too. {shakes her head} Are you real?The Universe:
{Alexei smiles and nods} I am Italian.The Cosmos:
{Phoenix smiles} And that explains *everything*.The Universe:
{Alexei smiles broadly} It usually seems to, yes.The Cosmos:
{Phoenix looks at him, smiles coquettishly} I don’t know it’s been a while.. I might have forgotten everything I ever knew.The Universe:
{Alexei looks at her, smiles} I am a very patient man and I will be more than happy to help you regain your memories.The Cosmos:
{Nix looks at him, grins} Oh I bet you would, baby.The Universe:
{Alexei smiles broadly} Am I so transparent?The Cosmos:
{Nix laughs} Oh totally.The Universe:
{Alexei laughs when she does} Then I will have to try harder.The Cosmos:
{Nix smiles} Why?The Universe:
{Alexei smiles, teasingly} Because if I am so transparent, then you will have *all* the power.The Cosmos:
{Nix looks up at him, smiling playfully} Oh.. we can’t have that.The Universe:
{Alexei nods, still smiling} It would be unthinkable. A vampire with the power in a relationship with a ghoul? Who has ever heard of such a thing?The Cosmos:
{Phoenix laughs} I have a feeling the vampires in this castle don’t have half the power you do.The Universe:
{Alexei smiles, whispers} Do not let *them* hear you say that.The Cosmos:
{Phoenix shakes her head, bringing a hand to her heart} Never…bad things would happen.The Universe:
{Alexei stops at the exterior door, opens it for her, quietly} Some vampires abhor revenants because they cannot control us with the promise of their blood.The Cosmos:
{Phoenix walks through the door} Thank you…{waits for him} Any of those vampires *here*?

The Universe:
{Alexei follows her out} No. They are not as… {thinks} The vampires here tend to judge on a case by case basis.

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Category: Fiction, Vampires | Comments Off on I Might Like You Better, Baby

The Universe:
{back in the throne room }The Cosmos:
{Hayden stands there, jaw dropped}The Cosmos:
{Renee looks at Sorrow, softly} Do you want us to go too?The Universe:
{Sorrow looks at Ren, starts to say something when Gabe looks over at Alexei} Um.. we really need Genja back because we have that thing to talk to him about.The Universe:
{Sorrow looks over at Gabe and Alexei, then to the new vampire, quietly to Ren} Yes. Out of sight, out of mind and all that.The Universe:
{Alexei nods to Gabe} I will inform him. {pulls out his phone and texts Genja}The Cosmos:
{Renee nods all right, still softly} I need to talk to you…when you have a chance. {looks at Devon} Come on.. we’ll go back to the apartment. {Devon nods and looks at Ryan}The Universe:
{Sorrow looks at Ren} We’ll be back as soon as is physically possible. {whispers} I’m not really a fan of these gatherings anyway.The Universe:
{Ryan looks at Devon, whispers} I’ll let you know what’s going on.The Cosmos:
{Renee nods and Devon smiles at Ryan and nods too takes Renee’s hand and they slip out of the room}The Universe:
{Sorrow watches them go} I wonder what she wants to talk about.The Universe:
{Ryan shrugs} Probably her dead husband.The Universe:
{Sorrow looks at Ryan, arches a brow} She has a dead husband? Why didn’t I know this?The Universe:
{Ryan looks at him} You were dead when the conversation took place.The Universe:
{Sorrow sighs} Damn. {shakes his head} I *hate* the sun.The Universe:
{Edward looks at Taryn, quietly} You should go. When Genja says “the humans”, he means all of them.The Universe:
{Damien walks over to Edward and Taryn with Sang}The Cosmos:
{Taryn nods and looks at Sang, then back at Edward} We’ll meet you back at the apartment? {indicating Sang too}The Universe:
{Edward nods to Taryn} That’ll be good.The Universe:
{Damien looks at Sang} This *shouldn’t* take too long. Genja isn’t really big on these things.The Cosmos:
{Taryn nods, Sang nods too and *they* hurry out}The Universe:
{Genja walks back into the throne room with the alien like creature} Let’s try to make this quick.The Universe:
{Alexei and Gabe wait until all the humans are gone before approaching Genja, Gabe pulling out a thick stack of print outs, Gabe} We have a little issue where one of the flock isn’t what they seem.The Universe:
{Genja takes the papers} You say that as though it’s unusual for someone to seem to be something they’re not. {looks through the papers} What am I looking at?The Universe:
{Dom looks at Hayden, whispers} This should be good.The Cosmos:
{Hayden quietly} It always is.The Cosmos:
{Phoenix watches}The Universe:
{Gabe looks at Genja} You’re looking at Roland Harpers bank statements.The Universe:
{Alexei nods} He is one of Silver’s humans.The Universe:
{Genja looks at them, motions Silver over} And why are these interesting?The Cosmos:
{Silver walks over to Genja, looks at him questioningly}The Universe:
{Gabe shrugs} They’re not if you don’t know what you’re looking for. In fact, they’re perfectly fucking boring at first and even second glance. But when you find a small, extremely expensive armory hidden away in a corporate banker’s attic, you look a little more closely.The Cosmos:
{Silver looks at Gabe and blinks}The Universe:
{Alexei nods} Due to the nature of the weapons and they’re components and accessories, coupled with the bank statements.. {Gabe interrupts} The interesting stuff is what’s circled in red. {Alexei continues} It would appear that we have unwittingly taken an assassin into the flock.The Cosmos:
{Silver looks at at Alexei} Are you *sure*?The Universe:
{Sorrow arches a brow, looks at Ryan whose not even attempting to hide his shock.The Cosmos:
{Heather shakes her head} Fuck me. That *is* interesting.The Universe:
{Alexei looks at Silver} As certain as we can be without… {Gabe looks at Silver} Silencers, a sniper rifle, a garrote, duct tape, several semi-automatic handguns, a box of trash bags, fishing line, a pair of gloves, a drop cloth.. with red spatters on it, by the way and last I heard Roland was *not* an artist. Did I mention the laser sighting on the rifle? The list goes on. If the cops saw it sitting on his front seat, they’d arrest him just on the *possibility* alone. Add to that the staggering sums of cash being shuffled around.. yeah, we’re pretty sure. But we’re not *certain*. I mean, hit men don’t exactly label their deposits with details of their crimes.The Universe:
{Dominic smiles} I *love* assassins.The Cosmos:
{Silver smiles slowly} Nice.The Universe:
{Gabe arches a brow, Alexei smiles and shakes his head}The Universe:
{Genja smiles at Silver, handing the paperwork back to Gabe}The Universe:
{Glen looks at Hannah, smiles} How glad are you that you don’t qualify as one of the humans anymore?The Cosmos:
{Silver shrugs} What. Kendra got the Dom.. I got the assassin.The Cosmos:
{Hannah smiles} Oh you will *never* know.The Universe:
{Genja smiles again, to Silver} I’d say you got the better end of the deal.The Cosmos:
{Aubrey and Hayden look at each other}The Cosmos:
{Silver smiles} Fuck yes I did.The Universe:
{Genja looks around the room at the mixture of awe and surprise} Well, ladies and gentlemen. It seems there is a killer among us.The Universe:
{Viktor smiles} Whatever will we do?The Cosmos:
{Heather smirks} See who he kills first.

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The Universe:
{meanwhile, Edward and Alexei walk into the area where Phoenix is waiting}The Cosmos:
{Phoenix keeps her eyes on the dogs as she stands again}The Universe:
{Edward looks at her, quietly} The dogs aren’t for you. They’re to help clean up the mess. Phoenix, this is Alexei. He’s going to be caring for you now. Alexei is the head of our household staff and a Revenant. Alexei, this is Phoenix DeSaetan.The Universe:
{Alexei smiles, bows slightly } It is nice to meet you.

The Cosmos:
{Phoenix looks over at Edward while he speaks} Thank you, Edward. {looks at Alexei} It’s an honor to meet you, Alexei. {looks at her hands} I’d offer you a hand, but….{shakes her head}The Universe:
{Alexei nods} I understand. We will take care of that. I will be taking you somewhere so that you may clean up and we will find you something appropriate to wear. I understand you are one of the former residents. I can take you to your former room.

The Cosmos: {Phoenix quietly} My former room was off the servant’s quarters. {looks at them} The small room at the back. The larger apartments were relegated to the vampires and the families. I hadn’t…proven myself yet.The Universe:
{Alexei nods} Well.. then I am afraid it is no longer available. We will have to put you somewhere more appropriate. The ghouls reside in the servant’s quarters.The Universe:
{Edward looks at her} I’m going to leave you now, but I’ll see you again in the throne room.The Cosmos:
{Phoenix looks at Edward} Thank you. For everything.The Universe:
{Edward smiles} You’re welcome. I’ll see you soon. {heads out of the room}

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The Cosmos:
{Taryn sits in the living room a book in her lap her distraction evident by the fact that the book is upside down}The Universe:
{Edward comes out of his room a bit after sundown and after regaining his focus, rakes a hand through his hair that does move now, straightening it as he looks over at Taryn, smiles, walks over, turns the book over} It might make more sense like this.

The Cosmos:
{Taryn looks up at him smiles} Oh right. Morning.The Universe:
{Edward sits next to her, leans over and kisses her, smiles again} Morning.The Cosmos:
{Taryn kisses him back} Did you rest well?The Universe:
{Edward frowns} It’s not really resting so much as being paralyzed.The Cosmos:
{Taryn blinks, looks down} Sorry…The Universe:
{Edward looks at her} You get used to it. It’s not a sensitive subject or anything. {smiles} I probably should’ve just said yes.The Cosmos:
{Taryn shakes her head} No.. You shouldn’t have. {quietly} I want to know.. the truth.. when I ask something like that or how you are.The Universe:
{Edward nods} All right. {looks at her} What about you? How are you feeling tonight?The Cosmos:
{Taryn smiles} I’m good. I had an interesting conversation with Alexei and Jace.